Disney has currently not “engaged with” the NFL on early renewal discussions; Comcast and Scripps reach a new carriage deal; and Peter Schrager is reportedly likely to host a new 2 PM show on ESPN. Plus news on Fubo, ESPN, NBC Sports and Fox Sports.
Disney currently not “engaged with” NFL on early renewal discussions
Disney CFO Hugh Johnston said during Wednesday’s Q2 earnings call that the media conglomerate has currently not “engaged with” the National Football League about an early renewal for media rights, but is open to discussions. Johnston: “We expect to be in the business with the league for years to come, and we’ll of course evaluate this deal, as we would any deal, with discipline and a focus on driving value for Disney shareholders.”
Disney is preparing to air the Super Bowl for the first time in 21 years next February, broadcasting the game across ABC, ESPN and other platforms. Josh D’Amaro, who officially took over as Disney CEO last month, reportedly opted not to spin off ESPN, although he may “revisit” the decision in the future. “We view sports as a key part of our programming strategy and ESPN as an important contributor to our distribution portfolio,” Johnston said. “For sure, we have to continue to work through this economic transition for ESPN while also better leveraging it for our overall business. As we do this, we will continue to deliver healthy consolidated earnings growth for shareholders.”
Disney’s Sports segment registered $652 million in quarterly operating income, a 5% year-over-year decline. Disney attributed more programming and production costs, in part, to “the timing of rights costs recognition as a result of contract renewals.” In particular, NBA rights costs shifted to Q3 2026, and Disney expects a 14% YoY decline in Sports segment OI because of higher programming expenses. D’Amaro described ESPN as a “business in transition.”
The sports segment accrued $4.61 billion in total revenues, up 2% from the previous year. Disney noted that there were increased subscription and affiliate fees in the quarter, but the growth was “partially offset by fewer subscribers.” Subscription and affiliate revenues at ESPN rose by 6% on the quarter to $3.25 billion — 3% of which came through its transaction with the National Football League that granted the league a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
Comcast, Scripps reach carriage agreement after five-week blackout
Comcast Corporation and the E.W. Scripps Company have reached a carriage agreement, ending a five-week blackout of various local broadcast affiliates televising sports and news programming. The previous agreement expired March 31, coinciding with the final weeks of the NBA and NHL regular seasons. In total, the blackout affected 25 over-the-air stations spanning 19 markets and various affiliations.
“We’re pleased to have reached a new agreement with the E.W. Scripps Company and thank our customers for their understanding during the negotiations,” a Comcast spokesperson said in a statement provided to Sports Media Watch. “We will continue providing credits to eligible customers for the period when the channels were temporarily unavailable.”
As reported by Sports Media Watch, part of the dispute related to Scripps asking Comcast to carry stations that televise local NHL games as an apparent condition to carry the other stations across the country. Comcast was only carrying stations airing Florida Panthers games last season, but Scripps holds NHL rights in Xfinity service areas for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth, and, starting next season, the Nashville Predators. While Scripps also has the Vegas Golden Knights in its portfolio, Comcast Xfinity does not service the Las Vegas market.
It remains unknown if those stations will be available for consumers ahead of the new NHL seasons. Furthermore, it is entirely plausible that more NBA teams could decide to move to over-the-air outlets with Main Street Sports Group winding down its operations. The NHL continues to offer first-round playoff games through regional sports networks, most of which are available to view through direct-to-consumer streaming platforms as well.
Schrager likely to host new 2 PM show on ESPN beginning in fall
Peter Schrager is likely to host a new 2 PM ET show on ESPN in the fall as the football season begins, according to a report by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. ESPN has been airing a one-hour edition of “SportsCenter” in the daypart following the linear portion of “The Pat McAfee Show.” Marchand reported that no decision has been finalized and that “Schrager’s cohorts are still to be determined.”
Schrager joined ESPN last April and has contributed across studio programming such as “NFL Live,” “Get Up” and “First Take.” Alex Sherman of CNBC reported last May that ESPN was considering building a program with Schrager and believed he could “be more of an all-sports figure.” Prior to adding a 2 PM edition of “SportsCenter,” the network aired the Max Kellerman-hosted “This Just In” from 2021-23. Previous shows in that hour included “SportsNation” and “Highly Questionable.”
While there had been speculation that ESPN could decide to introduce a new program in the 5 PM ET timeslot, Marchand reported that “‘SportsCenter’ has the inside track to continue” within that daypart. The network introduced the half-hour edition of the program following the end of “Around the Horn,” and it has posted stronger viewership than the sports debate program. (Note that changes in Nielsen methodology skew comparisons to previous years.)
Scott Van Pelt had discussions with ESPN executives about moving to the 5 PM timeslot, but they reached an overall consensus that it was best for him to continue hosting the late-night version of “SportsCenter.” Per Marchand, ESPN could opt to wait until “Pardon the Interruption” eventually goes off the air before revamping the full 5 PM ET hour, though the network “would like for” hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon to remain on air for “as long as they want.”
Plus: Fubo, ESPN, NBC Sports, Fox Sports
- The Fubo Sports ‘skinny bundle’ is expected to become available to purchase via ESPN platforms in the first half of 2027, Fubo co-founder/CEO David Gandler said on the company’s quarterly earnings call Wednesday. The bundle, which includes access to ESPN Unlimited in addition to programming from CBS and Fox, will be making the move through a “reseller and marketing arrangement” revealed in February. Fubo officially merged its business with Disney-owned Hulu + Live TV last October, and both platforms remain available as standalone services.
- Hannah Storm is returning to WNBA broadcasts on ESPN this year as the network enters its 30th season covering the league. Storm, who was NBC’s lead WNBA play-by-play voice in the league’s inaugural season in 1997, will host select editions of “WNBA Countdown” throughout the season with Andraya Carter, Chiney Ogwumike and Monica McNutt. Malika Andrews will be the primary host of the studio program after she had joined the network’s WNBA coverage last season.
- John Fanta will make his debut on NBC baseball coverage as a reporter for this weekend’s “MLB Sunday Leadoff” game between the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins. Fanta, who works across the network’s NBA and college basketball coverage, will be part of a broadcast team that includes play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, Marlins.TV analyst Jeff Nelson and Nationals.TV analyst Kevin Frandsen. Jason Benetti will call the “Sunday Night Baseball” game featuring the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals with Detroit SportsNet analyst Andy Dirks and Royals.TV analyst Eric Hosmer.
- Fox Sports announced Tuesday that it was adding former Denmark G Peter Schmeichel to its commentary roster for FIFA World Cup 26 as a studio analyst. Schmeichel previously worked with the network as both a studio analyst and sideline reporter for its coverage of UEFA EURO 2024. The company will present coverage featuring Schmeichel in addition to other former players in analyst roles, such as Thierry Henry, Javier “Chicarito” Hernàndez and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
